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kandicez's review against another edition
3.0
This story is told through letters, journal entries and memories, so the point of view is continually changing. It took quite a lot of pages to get used to the narrative. Longer than it should have, I thought. Then about halfway through the book something is revealed that makes you want to go back and re-read the first half. Kudos to Goss for this twist, I just wish he could have delivered it in a more straightforward way.
This was definitely a proper Doctor story. He is the reluctant hero, who at times seems to be almost cruel. Later when we look back we see that his possible cruelty is simply kindness that we were unable to see or understand at the time. Smith's 11th Doctor was captured on the page perfectly. I doubted at first, but that middle of the book twist solidified Goss' handle on the character.
Amy and Rory were equally presented as themselves. I was torn, though, because despite getting their characters and personalities correct, Goss made a few continuity errors that I found almost unforgivable as a Who-vian. For instance, he has Rory remembering an interaction with Amy's father. WTF? And the memory occurred (supposedly) when they were adults. I didn't misunderstand, either, because I went back and read the surrounding pages to be certain this wasn't some of the witchery involved in the plot twist. Nope. Just poor research, editing, whatever. There were a few other notable discrepancies as well, but I'll leave it at one example.
The "alien" in this novel was equally Doctor worthy. Often we encounter "other" and see it as evil, out to destroy the planet or race, when in reality they are simply too alien for us to understand their motives. Thank goodness the Doctor understands for us and explains it all.
Overall it was an enjoyable read with a great twist.
This was definitely a proper Doctor story. He is the reluctant hero, who at times seems to be almost cruel. Later when we look back we see that his possible cruelty is simply kindness that we were unable to see or understand at the time. Smith's 11th Doctor was captured on the page perfectly. I doubted at first, but that middle of the book twist solidified Goss' handle on the character.
Amy and Rory were equally presented as themselves. I was torn, though, because despite getting their characters and personalities correct, Goss made a few continuity errors that I found almost unforgivable as a Who-vian. For instance, he has Rory remembering an interaction with Amy's father. WTF? And the memory occurred (supposedly) when they were adults. I didn't misunderstand, either, because I went back and read the surrounding pages to be certain this wasn't some of the witchery involved in the plot twist. Nope. Just poor research, editing, whatever. There were a few other notable discrepancies as well, but I'll leave it at one example.
The "alien" in this novel was equally Doctor worthy. Often we encounter "other" and see it as evil, out to destroy the planet or race, when in reality they are simply too alien for us to understand their motives. Thank goodness the Doctor understands for us and explains it all.
Overall it was an enjoyable read with a great twist.
sabregirl's review against another edition
4.0
The only thing that's stopping me from giving this five stars is the way that the story is told. Through perspectives of the Doctor, Amy and Rory as well as Dr. Bloom, Maria and Nevil. Way too many narrators and really could've been done in a completely different way. But it was unique and still got the point across. The story was great. But it seemed like the book could've been a whole lot shorter. There was a lot of nonsense in the book that lead up to the plot being revealed, which in the end was still confusing. I can tell you though I did not see Maria being a Familiar coming. I knew that Kosov and Dr. Blooms 'wife' were, they were easy to tell. But I like how in the end the Doctor made it all better, the Familiar took the form of Maria's mother and they went off traveling. Sweet. The constant reassurances of the Amy/Rory love was really annoying, it's everywhere, but we already knew Rory is the most important man in her life. And really? Even in the books I have to deal with Rory dying? I thought I could get away from Moffatisms in the books but apparently not.
kitvaria_sarene's review against another edition
5.0
One of my favorite audio Doctor Who adventures yet!
That might partly be due to Amy and Rory though - especially as Rory has a big part in this one ;)
I love the slightly crazy idea of all three of them losing their memory right in the beginning, and having to find out who they are over the course of the story.
Otherwise it has everything it needs. Fun, humor, suspense, a bit of goosebumps and of course some monsters.
That might partly be due to Amy and Rory though - especially as Rory has a big part in this one ;)
I love the slightly crazy idea of all three of them losing their memory right in the beginning, and having to find out who they are over the course of the story.
Otherwise it has everything it needs. Fun, humor, suspense, a bit of goosebumps and of course some monsters.
littlepanda's review against another edition
2.0
I got a bit lost in the plot since the story is divided between the different P.O.V. of the characters. Really not the best Doctor Who novel. I did not like the setting, a French mental hospital. I think the first few pages where interesting but the development really needed more work in my opinion. I would not say I enjoyed reading it, I read more out of dullness.
maddox22's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
3mmakatariina28's review against another edition
4.0
I loved it! Should try and buy more of these kind of DW novels!
wyrmbergmalcolm's review against another edition
4.0
Having read over fourty of these now, I like to find things that make each book stand out from the rest. This one definitely has this quality by its storytelling method of letters, diaries and accounts from those found at the retreat as well as the befuddled time-travelling companions. What's more, this method worked remarkably well for this story and gave it a good flavour of the era in which it was sent. The post-resolution reveal is also heavily tied into this format, which was another nice touch.
The plot itself was pretty average for Doctor Who (or completely amazing compared to the awful 2018 TV series, but don't get me started on that...), but there were some very compelling characters, good twists and reveals as well as a resolution that differs from the norm. The setting was very traditional Doctor Who with the big rambling 'house' and the foggy exterior shots which gives it that charm of nostalgia for the older Doctor Who fans.
The plot itself was pretty average for Doctor Who (or completely amazing compared to the awful 2018 TV series, but don't get me started on that...), but there were some very compelling characters, good twists and reveals as well as a resolution that differs from the norm. The setting was very traditional Doctor Who with the big rambling 'house' and the foggy exterior shots which gives it that charm of nostalgia for the older Doctor Who fans.
postmodernblues's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I'm seriously not sure Amy Pond's character could pass a Bechdel test to save her life. In any medium.
zoeb2101's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5